About

Hi, I’m Karen—A Global Traveler’s Story

I’m a Filipino-born remote worker and travel enthusiast currently based in Spain. Over the past years, I’ve lived in four countries, traveled to dozens more, and learn that the life you dream of abroad is more achievable than you think.

On this blog, I share honest stories, practical guides, and real insights from my journey–so you can navigate yours with confidence.

Barcelona

currently living in

25

countries visited

8+

years abroad
My story

from Philippines to the World

The beginning: australia at 16

At 16, I made a bold decision that would shape my entire life. Inspired by films and fueled by a desire for something different, I moved to Queensland, Australia—alone—to study. My family supported me wholeheartedly, and I remember the excitement of that December evening when we finalized the plans.

Reality was harsher

Reality, however, was harsher than the movies suggested. At 16, being alone in a new country was isolating. Limited internet connectivity made staying in touch with family difficult, and homesickness overwhelmed me. Within a year, I returned home—a decision I deeply regret. But that experience didn’t kill my dream; it only delayed it.

launched karenroldan.net

I launched this blog as a visual diary, documenting my life and creative pursuits. It began as a personal outlet—a space that was entirely mine.

The Struggle: Visa Sponsorship & Setbacks

My desire to live abroad never faded. I knew that securing employment overseas was my pathway forward. I pursued opportunities in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, but Sweden remained my ultimate goal.

victim to a scam

The visa-job cycle was frustrating and expensive. I even fell victim to a scam that cost me PHP 50,000—a painful but valuable lesson about due diligence. Just when I was losing hope, one company took a chance on my application and sponsored my work visa to Sweden.

sweden almost didn’t happen

POEA bureaucracy nearly derailed everything. The company waited almost six months for me to be cleared for relocation. The uncertainty was agonizing, but persistence paid off.

rebranded my blog

Once I arrived in Sweden, everything shifted. I redirected my blog from a visual diary to a platform documenting my Swedish adventures and immigrant journey. What started as a hobby evolved into a resource where I could share practical tips, visa guides, and cultural insights with others pursuing similar dreams.

Visa Struggles

Ongoing changes to visa regulations threatened my husband’s status in Sweden, prompting our next move: Spain.

Spain: The Next Chapter

This relocation reinforced everything I’ve learned about adaptability, resilience, and the beauty of embracing the unknown. Each country has taught me something new, and I’m excited to share these fresh insights with you.

Why you can trust me

I’m not a travel influencer with a curated Instagram feed. I’m someone who has:

  • Lived through the messy reality of international relocation (including failures, scams, and homesickness).
  • Navigated multiple visa systems and learned what actually works (and what doesn’t)
  • Built a remote career that enabled this lifestyle and financial independence.
  • Adapted to vastly different cultures—from tropical Philippines to Nordic Sweden to Mediterranean Spain.
  • Learned from mistakes and want to help you avoid them.

My expertise comes from living it, not just researching it. Every guide, tip, and story on this blog is grounded in my personal experience across four countries and a decade of international living.

  • Before moving to Sweden, I had no idea where to start or what to expect.

    The blogs on Karen’s site somehow gave me a clearer picture of what I needed to prepare and really helped with my relocation here. I even sent an email with a few personal questions, and she kindly responded. Such a big help!
    geraldine

  • Every article helped me feel more informed and less alone in the process.

    Moving to Sweden felt overwhelming at first. I didn’t know where to begin, what to expect, or how to navigate the different process. That’s when I stumbled upon Karen’s blog, every article helped me feel more informed and less alone in the process.

    What I appreciated the most was how relatable and real her content felt, she shared not just the “how,” but also the “why” and “what to expect,” which gave me a realistic view of life in Sweden itself. It’s amazing how one well-written blog posts can feel like a conversation with someone.

    I remember so well how we talked about the dreaded POEA process and how frustated we are on that agency. Glad to have stumbled at your blog and get to connect and finally met you.
    Franz julius

What you’ll find here

Visa & relocation guides

Real costs, timelines, visa processes, and what to expect when moving abroad—based on firsthand experience navigating multiple countries.
.

Cultural insights & daily life

What living in different countries actually looks like—the good, the challenging, and the surprising. Learn from my experiences in Sweden, Spain, Australia, and beyond.

Travel inspiration & tips

Hidden gems, travel hacks, and lessons learned from exploring 30+ destinations around the world.

Remote work & logistics

How to set up a remote career, budget abroad, and navigate bureaucracy in different countries. Practical advice for building location-independent income.

explore these popular guides to get started

Ready to start your journey?

Your dream of living abroad is valid, and it’s more achievable than you think.
I’m here to show you how.